Porn addiction is a tricky subject to discuss, as it is less known as a clinical issue than a slight inconvenience or nuisance. Porn addiction, however, is very real and in some cases, can be as dangerous as other more publicized kinds of addiction such as alcoholism or drug abuse. That porn addiction is slowly being recognized as a legitimate problem not only among men, but also among women, can only be a good sign. But any progress towards addressing this very common problem can only start when we also start to understand what porn addiction is and what are its underlying causes.
Topics Covered
What is porn addiction?
Porn addiction is the excessive compulsive need to watch pornography. It is a subset of a much broader issue of sex addiction. While it is still not technically recognized as an official psychological diagnosis, it can lead to real and tangible consequences for those who suffer from it. The physical impact of porn consumption cannot be overlooked as well.
It is quite difficult to assess if a person is suffering from porn addiction, as it can be vastly different for each individual. However, some of the possible symptoms of pornography can be found below:
Disruption of work and tasks
A person with porn addiction is willing to risk not fulfilling tasks or work-related activities in exchange of satisfying his or her urge to watch pornagraphy.
Inability to stop watching porn
To a lot of people, watching porn is something they could easily stop and give up when something more important needs to be done. But porn addicts are not able to this, and often have problems controlling their urge.
Irritability, anger-management issues, and other withdrawal symptoms
Just like other forms of addiction such as smoking, drugs, or alcohol, some porn addicts also experience withdrawal symptoms whenever they try to stop watching porn. They get easily upset as they fight the urge, often to the detriment of relationships.
Uncontrollable cravings
Porn addicts may give up not only work-related tasks, but also activities that are related to their personal life such as important life events, in exchange for time to watch porn.
Development of tolerance
Just like when you develop the tolerance to more alcohol the more you drink, porn addicts also develop a greater tolerance for porn, which means that after being exposed to porn for some time, they would need a different kind or a longer time watching porn in order to be stimulated.
Sexual insecurity
Probably one of the most damaging aspects and symptoms of porn addiction is the development of sexual insecurities. Porn stars are trained and directed to do sexual things that are beyond what a normal couple would, and thus, porn addicts oftentimes find themselves falling short of what they see when they watch pornography. This can lead to insecurities ranging from physical attributes to sexual performance, which are, more often than not, perfectly normal.
Lying
While this may seem trivial, porn addicts sometimes feel the need to hide their condition so as to escape public stigma about porn addiction. They sometimes resort to lying in order to continue on their habit.
How is porn addiction acquired?
As mentioned, porn addiction is still currently being studied by expert, as it varies quite greatly from person to person. Some people might think that the amount of porn they watch is just normal and nothing to be concerned about but in reality, they might already be in the denial stage of their addiction. In relation, the way porn addiction develops in a person also varies. However, the development of technology has made it much easier for people to have access to phones.
Where a few decades ago people relied in DVDs and video tapes, anyone with an internet access nowadays can go to certain websites and watch porn. Studies have been inconclusive so far as it has not received as much attention as other forms of addiction, but some reports a few years ago say that the average age of exposure to porn is at only 11 years old, which is highly concerning. The fact that there isn’t even a universal standard of how to diagnose porn addiction and how to treat is just adds to the immediacy to which this issue should be addressed.
Treating porn addiction
As mentioned before, porn addiction has not been classified yet as a clinical issue, which means that there is also no specific drug that can be prescribed for this particularly for this condition yet. But this does not mean that there is no way for you to treat this condition if you have concluded that you are suffering from porn addiction. There are a number of ways that, while may not be applicable for everybody, you can follow in order for you to combat porn addiction and the various negative side effects it may bring to you, your friends, and your family.
Be aware that porn addiction is real
One of the first steps in treating porn addiction is being aware that the condition is real and that it has real side effects. When one is aware, they can begin researching and figuring out if he or she indeed is suffering from this condition.
Admitting the condition and seeking help
While porn addiction isn’t yet a clinical condition, it has much of the same effects and symptoms of other kinds of addiction and thus, psychologists and other health professionals can still offer help and treatment to individuals. Various kinds of therapies such as Cognitive-behavioral therapy, group therapies, and many others are often used to help people with addiction, including porn addiction. However, this will only be possible if the individual himself or herself is willing to admit that he or she is suffering from porn addiction and seeks help.
Limit exposure to porn
With the speed information can be disseminated nowadays, in can be hard to stay away from devices which can be used to consume pornograhy. Mobile phones and laptops that are always connected to the internet are invaluable and necessary in today’s work routine and lifestyle, yet, they are also the main gadgets where we can watch porn. However, there are certain tools like website blockers which we can use to help us limit consumption of porn. Addicts can also share their condition with their loved ones who can hold them accountable and thus, help them limit their exposure to porn.
Take up a new hobby
One of the oldest techniques psychologists use to treat different kinds of addiction is to replace them with more constructive hobby like sports. Taking up a new hobby that you are truly excited about limits your amount of free time and keeps your mind occupied, which can often lead to the ability to curb your impulses and cravings to watch porn.
These are some of the various ways one can address porn addiction. But the most important part is recognizing that this condition is real and has real-life consequences that might seem insignificant first but can greatly affect your quality of life.
FAQ
Porn addiction is a lesser known and lesser studied subset of sex addiction, but this doesn’t mean that we should just treat it as a regular occurrence or a mild inconvenience. Below are some of the often-asked questions about porn addiction.
The Process
Been wanting to stop your own porn addiction? Or do you want to help a loved one limit his addiction to porn? Here are a few tips that can help you do just that.
How to stop pornography addiction?
There can be many ways to stop porn addiction, but the most important step is being aware of the problem. Knowing yourself and how you react to porn, as well as the absence of it, can be critical in formulating a strategy to stop porn addiction. Seeking help from your loved ones or health professionals is also an effective means to curb addiction to porn.
How to overcome pornography addiction?
Overcoming porn addiction, or any addiction, is a process. There is no magic pill that can immediately help you get rid of porn addiction. Ultimately, it is a combination of awareness, help from family and friends, and your own personal assessment of your tendencies that can help you overcome porn addiction.
How to deal with pornography addiction?
The effects of porn addiction can range from funny inconveniences to full-blown emotional disturbance and psychological issues. The way you can deal with your porn addiction will depend greatly on how addicted you are and how it affects your life. In any case, the real goal is to stop it altogether for the benefit of yourself, your family, and your friends.
How to cure porn addiction?
There is no “cure” for porn addiction, just as there is no cure for something like alcoholism. It is a continuous process that needs constant effort on the part of the individual. If you find a strategy that helped you stop your porn addiction, you will need to make sure that you follow it constantly so you won’t fall back into the same habit in the future.
How to fight porn addiction
Fighting porn addiction can be an uphill battle, because porn is multi-billion dollar industry and porn addiction can be really hard to quantify. However, we can start with our own families by instilling values such as respect and properly discussing sexuality to our children so that they would have better core values by the time they get exposed to pornography.
How to overcome addiction for watching pornography for Christians?
While Christians could have the same tendencies as others when it comes to porn, it can be helpful for Christians to remember the tenets and teachings of Jesus Christ to help temper the temptation of pornography. Going to mass regularly and reading the bible instead of spending time mindlessly browsing the internet can also help greatly in avoiding pornography.
How easy it is to get addicted to pornography?
Depends on the individual, as we have different responses to stimulating images or video. However, younger people and teenagers who have less knowledge and exposure to sexually explicit material can be more susceptible to porn addiction than older ones.
How to block pornography from sex addict?
Limiting the use of gadgets such as mobile phones and laptops can be a big step in blocking pornography, as the internet is the main source of sexually explicit material in our current generation. Use of website blockers or apps that limit use of internet to certain times can also help in that regard.
How do I explain my pornography addiction?
Admitting and explaining any kind of addiction is always going to be a hard task for anyone. But it makes sense to talk about it objectively with your closest friends or family, as they will most probably be the ones who will understand you and not make rash judgements. Being honest about the details of the addiction such as the frequency or how it is affecting your life is a good starting point in trying to explain porn addiction.
How to get help for pornography and masturbation addictions?
Just as it is very easy to gain access to pornography, the internet has also allowed fast access to health professionals who can help you fight your pornography or masturbation addiction anonymously. But often, talking about it with a family member or a trusted friend is a good option since they can also help you find professional help.
How to overcome addiction from pornography through God?
Faith is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, weapon against any kind of temptation or addiction. Our faith in God allows us to remember His teachings and examples, thus, giving us the awareness of the negative effects of pornography. It allows us to reflect and assess if the things we do in our lives align with what God wants us to do.
How to live with a porn addict?
Addicts, whether of porn or any other vice, is best treated with understanding and kindness. Judging people or being rude to them because of their addiction will only make them resentful and probably make them more addicted to their vice as well. Proper communication and a helpful demeanor can go a long way towards helping our loved ones who are porn addicts.
How to reduce porn addiction?
While it can be very hard to stop porn addiction for some people, at least reducing consumption of porn material is a bit more manageable. And it starts by assessing yourself and gauging your level of self control and discipline, creating a plan that would make you less susceptible to watching porn, and making yourself accountable through a variety of ways, one of which is telling a friend or a family member of your plans so they can check up on you.
How long does it take to overcome porn addiction?
This depends a lot on the individual, and is almost never the same among sufferers of porn addiction. Some may take just days to get rid of the addiction, while some may take months or even years to completely stop the habit.
How to control porn addiction?
Controlling your porn addiction is highly dependent on the amount of self-discipline you have. Some people can watch porn and not be addicted to it, while some cannot live without it. Probably one of the best ways to do it is doing a thorough self-assessment of the frequency you watch porn and develop a plan to limit it.
How to prevent porn addiction?
Prevention is always better than cure, and it is the same for porn addiction. Making sure to block porn websites is one of the best ways you can prevent being addicted to porn. Maintaining open communication lines with your partner is also a good option, allowing you to avoid diverting your attention to porn when you have unresolved sexual issues.
How to defeat porn addiction?
Porn addiction will be present for as long as the porn industry is thriving, and that is why it will always be an uphill battle to prevent it. However, there are now porn addiction support groups and campaigns against porn that focus on educating people about its negative effects, which is a great step towards preventing more people from acquiring this condition.
How to tell if you have a porn addiction?
One of the reasons why porn addiction is still not considered a clinical condition is the lack of standards when it comes to determining whether a person is addicted to porn or not. This is because it is a very subjective matter. However, if your porn habit is starting to negatively affect one or more aspects of your life such as work or social relationships, then it’s time to seek help.
How to get rid of a mild addiction to porn?
Treating addiction is easier when it is caught early on, so if you have recognized that you are already developing a mild addiction to porn, then it’s best to take steps to neutralize it immediately. You can do this by determining your sources of porn and completely blocking it or restricting access to it to make it harder for you to watch porn.
How to move past a spouse porn addiction?
If think your spouse has porn addiction, then it is best to have an open line of communication about the subject. Make your spouse feel comfortable talking about it to you, so you can both find a solution to the problem instead of playing the blame game. Figure out the source of the urge, and try to work on it together, or seek help from a professional.
How to completely end porn addiction?
For most people, there is no definite end to an addiction and it is always going to be an ongoing battle. Even recovered addicts tend to have a relapse or at least the urge to relapse from time to time. The best way to combat this is to stick to your plan that helped you stop porn addiction long after you have stopped watching porn.
How to beat porn addiction as an atheist?
Although faith in God is one of the things you can use to defeat porn addiction, those who don’t believe in God can rely on logical consequences to stop watching porn. Broken relationships, reduced work output, and overall minimized performance are some of the effects of porn addiction, which nobody wants and can be used by those who don’t believe in God as motivation to stop porn addiction.
How to have a sexual relationship with a porn addict?
It may be difficult to understand why people who have a healthy sex life can also have porn addiction, that is why open communication can be a recurring theme when talking about the problem. Talking freely and objectively with your partner about his or her porn addiction can lead to discovering the underlying sexual problems which could be the cause of addiction, and which could be resolved with your help.
How to know when porn addiction will progress to more?
There is actually no way to determine whether porn addiction can lead to something worse, but in itself, porn addiction is already a big problem if let unrecognized or untreated, and thus, should be addressed as soon as possible.
How to beat porn addiction if I’m home alone often?
Even if you are alone at home, there are countless things to do that are more productive than indulging in porn, so make sure to deliberately and consciously think of the productive things you can do when you’re at home to prevent you from having too much free time that you can use to watch porn.
How to treat porn addiction according to evidence based practices?
While it is just a subset of sex addiction, porn addiction can be treated with the same psychological and medical techniques used to treat other kinds of addiction such as the 12-step recovery, group therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and others.
How to build confidence after porn addiction?
Recovering from porn addiction is not an easy task, and does, recognizing that it will take time can go a long way in rebuilding your confidence. Also, realizing that porn addiction is just a want and not necessary in life can mean a brighter outlook towards life in general, which can lead to faster porn addiction recovery.
How to use Christianity to fight porn addiction?
One of Christianity’s teachings is to treat the body with respect, as it is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Watching pornography runs counter to this idea, and thus, educating people about how we should take care of our bodies in accordance to the Scriptures can be a very powerful tool in convincing people to stay away from pornography.
How to pray to stop porn addiction?
There is no right or wrong way to pray, but praying is indeed a very powerful tool to help you fight porn addiction, as it calms your mind and reminds you that God is always there to help you fight temptations. For as long as you feel God’s presence, you can pray whichever way you want.
Helping Others
While you may not suffer from porn addiction, your friends or family may do. Find out some of the ways we can help them battle this condition.
How to confront a porn addict?
Addicts are usually defensive when confronted directly about their problems, so try to avoid being judgemental or self-righteous and show them compassion and understanding when talking about their addiction. Let them feel that you care for them instead of condemning them. They need your help, so make sure you make them feel comfortable in doing so.
How to spot a porn addict?
Spotting a porn addict can be really hard as they don’t really show this habit out in public. But if your friend or loved one has been constantly talking about porn or finds a way to consistently insert the topic of porn in your conversations, then that could be one sign that he or she is a porn addict.
How to pray for someone addicted to pornography?
Prayer, coupled with concrete and smart actions, is probably one of the best things we can do for people suffering from porn addiction. As it is easier to help someone who wants help, it is best to pray that porn addicts develop the self-awareness to seek help to combat their addiction.
How to broach pornography addiction with a patient?
Explaining that porn addiction is a health condition and explaining its details can go a long way toward erasing the stigma about it, which can go a long way making a patient feel more open and comfortable admitting to and talking about their porn addiction.
How to support someone with a pornography addiction?
Properly supporting someone with a porn addiction depends on the personality of the individual. Some people may respond better to a more caring, soft approach, while others may require tough love or a more stern stance. Study carefully the personality of the porn addict and go from there.
How can a mother help a son with pornography addiction?
Scolding your son who has a porn addiction might only result in rebellion and, worse, more intense addiction. Explaining calmly and objectively the negative effects of porn addiction and what you can both do to combat it might be a better approach.
How to help people addicted to pornography?
There are numerous ways to help people fight off pornography, and it starts with being an advocate of the positive things they can get if they stop watching porn. We can also help by being their confidant, understanding their situation, and helping them seek professional help. And we can also influence them to do more positive habits such as getting into sports or learning a new skill instead of wasting time watching porn.
How to help your boyfriend through porn addiction?
Understanding and communication are key if you want to help your boyfriend battle porn addiction. As the teachings of Jesus Christ require marriage engaging in sexual things, you must let your boyfriend know that you have his back and that you’re going through the issue together. Shifting his focus to God will also help immensely.
How to get porn addicts to go for treatment?
Nowadays, the stigma of going to a psychologist for mental problems is slowly disappearing, so it is a good time to bring up the subject to someone who might be suffering from porn addiction. Explaining the subject in a very objective manner eliminates most of the shame that usually comes with watching porn, so it could make patients more receptive to receiving treatment.
How to talk to teens about online porn addiction?
Teens need to understand the the internet is a tool that should be used for productive and positive things instead of watching porn. We cannot restrict them from using the internet or being exposed to porn, but if we instill values in them and point out the negative effects, then they will be able avoid porn voluntarily.
What to Do
Porn addiction has many different effects and consequences. Find out what you can do when faced with various scenarios involving porn addiction.
Should I divorce my husband because of his pornography addiction?
This is very much a case-to-case basis. Porn addiction can be either by the cause of more complicated issues, in which case you should strive to resolve it first before considering divorce, or it could be just a symptom of an underlying, unresolvable problem. In any case, if you have a husband addicted to porn then talking first to your husband about it is probably the best initial course of action.
What to do if your husband has a pornography addiction?
Talk to him about it in an objective and supportive manner. Often times, porn addiction is a result of unresolved sexual issues, in which case being his wife, you can be the best person to help him get over it.
Should I stay in a relationship with a pornography addict?
Depends on the stage of addiction and the actions you have taken so far to resolve the issue. If you have been working together to resolve the issue to no avail, then there might be other causes of the addiction that can be a factor whether you should leave the relationship or not.
What to do when your boyfriend is addicted to porn?
One of the best things you can do is make him feel that he can talk to you and be honest about his addiction. From there, you can both figure out the best course of action, on whether you can create plans to help fight off the addiction or if you need professional help.
Should I tell my psychologist about my porn addiction?
In most cases, yes. Psychologists have the training and patience to help you figure out the cause of your addiction, and the actions you can take to help you stop it. You will also have no fear of humiliation as you will be protected by the confidentiality agreement with your psychologist.
By the Numbers
Porn addiction is more rampant than we think. Let’s take a look at the important numbers.
How many Christian men are addicted to pornography?
While it’s hard to get an accurate measure of porn addiction, a recent study (www.conquerseries.com) suggests that as much as 68% Christian men are addicted to porn in the United States alone.
How many people in the world are addicted to pornography?
There is no definite global figure on how many people are addicted to porn, but according to Pornhub, one of the world’s top porn sites, it had an astounding 28 billion visitors in 2017, and that is just for one porn site.
What is the percentage of women addicted to pornography?
There hasn’t been a thorough study on porn addiction that includes global figures, but in the United States, it is estimated that 1 in 3 women watch porn regularly. Porn addiction in women continues to rise according to studies.
How many Americans are addicted to porn?
While there is no data as to what percentage of Americans who watch porn are addicts, it is estimated that around 40 million Americans watch porn and are regular visitors to porn sites.
How many times does porn addicts watch porn?
Depends really on the degree of addiction. Some can watch just one or twice a day, but others can do it several times in the course of several hours, which can greatly affect their normal routines.
What percentage of those with a porn addiction cheat?
This is almost impossible to correlate, as both factors are highly subjective and are something that people would not readily admit. But basing purely on theory, if a person cannot experience the same satisfaction he or she sees in porn with his or her current partner, then he or she might be inclined to find it in someone else.
How many high schoolers are addicted to porn?
Again, there is a lack of information with regard to numbers associated with porn addiction, but recent studies have said that the minimum age a person gets exposed to porn is only 11 years old, leading some to speculate their teen porn addiction has been growing in number in the past few decades since the globalization of the internet.
Porn addiction basics:
Here are some basic information about porn addiction that can help you deal with it and assist others as well.
What is pornography addiction?
In the simplest terms, porn addiction is the excessive consumption of, or urge to consume, pornographic material, primarily through video. It also means that the habit of watching porn has started to negatively affect other aspects of a person’s life.
Why is pornography addictive?
Pornography is addictive in the same manner as alcohol or smoking – it gives you a feeling of satisfaction that you otherwise couldn’t achieve without it, or is more difficult to achieve with its absence. The fact that it is easy to acquire contributes to its addictive nature.
Am I addicted to pornography?
This is the kind of question that you should ask once you observe that your pornography consumption has started to disrupt your normal lifestyle and daily routine.
What pornography causes addiction?
Depends on the person’s sexual orientation, tendencies, fetishes, and others. Every person’s sexual desires differ from another individual’s, that is why the porn industry also offers numerous kinds of porn.
What diagnosis would be given to someone with pornography addiction?
Porn addiction is not yet considered an official medical issue or diagnosis, but other techniques that have been effective in treating other kinds of addiction are also being suggested for people with porn addiction.
How pornography addiction develops?
Addiction to pornoraphy, or any kind of vice, differs from person to person. An individual can get hooked right away, or it make take some time before the addiction develops. The common theme, however, is exposure to porn.
How pornography addiction affects women?
There are many effects of porn addiction, but for women, one of the most devastating is the altered self-image and heightened insecurities. Seeing a porn star do something you cannot do with your partner can make you think that you are not a good lover, which can lead to deeper problems.
What clinicians need to know about pornography addiction?
As of the moment, there is not enough data to really tackle the problem of porn addiction. In fact, the lack of studies have led doctors to not yet classify it as a mental health disorder. They do, however, recognize its negative effects, and are continuously trying to find out the best way to treat it.
Do right hands of pornography addict look different?
For men, there is a very miniscule chance that their dominant hand might look different (in extreme circumstances) due to excessive masturbation, but this hasn’t been officially verified nor observed in a controlled environment to make a definite assumption.
How pornography addiction affects partners?
Pornography addiction can affect partners in different ways, but it’s almost always negatively. Porn addiction fosters insecurities about sexual performance or increases the feeling if inadequacy as a lover. It can also lead to reduced sexual attraction to your partner if you begin comparing them to what you see in porn.
Why do pornography addicts lie?
Porn addicts feel compelled to lie because of the shame and embarrassment usually associated with porn. Even though it is very rampant nowadays, people still don’t outwardly admit to watching porn, much less talk about porn addiction. So they tend to hide their habit and lie about it.
Is there such a thing as pornography addiction?
Yes there is, although it is yet to be truly recognized as a mental health disorder. Its negative effects have been documented, and there are numerous instances where patients seek professional help to get over it.
Could pornography addiction hurt security clearance?
If you watching porn using company equipment or within your company’s office grounds, then yes, you can get reprimanded depending on the guidelines of your company regarding inappropriate actions of their employees.
Can a Christian be addicted to pornography?
Yes. Nobody, regardless of race, ethnicity or nationality, is immune to the temptation of watching porn. However, Christians can use the teachings of their church to combat porn addiction and lead a more religious and peaceful life.
What defines a porn addict?
A porn addict is someone that is so hooked into watching porn that his or her habit has started to have negative effects on his personal life and even his or her work environment. Take the porn addiction test to see if you have a problem with it.
How long does it take to break a porn addiction?
This is dependent on a lot of different factors such as length of exposure to porn, access to porn, level of self-discipline, support network, and even core values. It varies from person to person, and is also affected by his or her environment.
Can you recover from porn addiction?
Very much so. Like other forms of addiction, a smart and practical plan coupled with the right support, as well as faith in God, is a powerful tool to help you overcome porn addiction.
Is porn addiction cheating?
Not in the literal sense, but it may also depend on what constitutes cheating based on your partner’s sensibilities. Promising to never watching porn again and breaking that promise might not be the traditional definition of cheating, but it can be for your partner.
Why do people get addicted to porn?
It can be because of many different reasons. Others get addicted because they are curious to see or experience sexual acts that they otherwise can’t have in real life, while others use porn as an escape from everyday problems. Still, others just don’t know what to do with their free time.
How common is porn addiction?
A lot more common than we think. While there aren’t exact numbers with regard to porn addicts, the fact that pornography is an almost $99-billion industry says a lot about how many people watch porn.
Can girls get addicted to porn?
Yes they can. In fact, recent studies suggest that women are just as likely to become addicted to pornography as men are. The effects are a little bit different on women because of their different sensibilities, but they also exhibit the same symptoms.
Can a husband get over pornography addiction?
Anyone can get over porn addiction with the right support group and plan to deal with the addiction. It’s a matter of self-awareness and research about the condition, as well as the openness and understanding of his immediate family and friends. Professional help can also play a huge part in helping a husband overcome pornorgraphy addiction.
What is more addictive, pornography or meth?
This depends on the individual. Different people have different reactions to various stimulants and vices. While being addicted to methamphetamines is usually considered more dangerous, an extreme addiction to porn can also do much damage to a person’s life.
How does addiction to pornography and drugs affect a marriage?
Porn or drug addiction can affect a marriage in a variety of ways. But what is clear is that none of these effects are positive, and being addicted to one or both can only serve to destroy your relationship with your spouse.
What are the signs of porn addiction?
Withdrawal from social interaction, being overly aggressive or defensive, and irritability are just some porn addiction signs. The individual usually wants to hide and protect his or her hobby, and would often seek to be alone to continue on doing what satisfies him or her.
Can faith stop porn addiction?
Yes it can. Coupled with a tangible plan and support from your loved ones, faith can actually be the final ingredient that fully restores your awareness and leads you to drop your addiction. This is because faith is rooted in Jesus Christ and his teachings, which are contrary to what porn addiction encourages.
How does brain rewire itself from porn addiction?
Based on studies on other forms of addiction, the human brain can begin to form new neural pathways once we try to establish new routines to replace our current addiction. Once nurtured, these new routines can lessen the cravings and urges we had before, helping us to be stronger in the face of temptation caused by our old addictions.
How many students are addicted to porn?
There are no exact numbers when it comes to determining the number of students addicted to porn, but since experts estimate that the average age we get exposed to porn is 11 years old, then it’s logical to expect that a lot of students also suffer from this kind of addiction.
Why do I keep falling back to porn addiction?
This can be due to several factors, one of which is that the real psychological reason why you turned to porn in the first place is still not resolved. Easy access to porn can also be a big factor why a person keeps getting addicted.
What is the dsm-v code for porn addiction?
None, because porn addiction is still not considered a mental health disorder. It has been a subject of debate among health experts as some are really pushing for porn addiction to be included as mental health disorder, but as of the moment, there isn’t yet a formal ruling on the matter.
Does porn addiction lead to body dysmorphic disorder?
Such a correlation needs a formal research and study done by psychological experts in order to be declared as true. But theoretically, the arguments does hold merit as porn depicts the kind of sexual activity that is not normal, and may compel porn addicts to compare themselves to unattainable standards of sexual performance.
Is porn as addictive as heroin?
Some would argue that porn cannot be as addictive as a substance that you actually ingest, but are also some that say that psychological issues can have as much or even greater effect than physical ones. That being said, whether porn is as addictive or not as heroin depends entirely on the psychological and physiological condition of the person.
Is porn addiction adultery?
No. Based on its legal definition, adultery is a voluntary sexual intercourse between a married individual and another person other than his or her spouse. Porn does not entail any physical interaction between the individual and the people he or she is watching.
What made my husband become a porn addict?
People develop porn addiction due to very personal reasons. Some use it to see their sexual fantasies acted out by other people, while some use it to satisfy themselves in light of their partner being inadequate for them. It really depends on the person.
Can porn addiction affect natural sexual orientation?
This is a very debatable issue as there has been some discussion about how sexually explicit material can in fact affect a person’s sexual preference and orientation. This, like other aspects of porn addiction, however, needs to be studied extensively over a long period of time to be proven.
How the brain gets addicted to porn?
When a person watches porn, it stimulates the part of the brain the produces dopamine, which is a hormone that promotes the feeling of euphoria. The more dopamine there is, the more the brain craves the thing that triggers it, inducing addiction.
Does being addicted to porn indicate past sexual trauma?
Being addicted to porn can indicate a sexual trauma that was experienced previously. However, this is not conclusive (more studies are needed) and, as of the moment, can only serve to try to explain why a person is more susceptible to porn addiction or how to best approach his or her porn addiction.
Will porn addicts eventually cheat?
There is literally no way of predicting one’s behavior based on his or her addiction to porn. Cheating and porn are two mutually exclusive elements. That being said, more studies are needed to be done if ever a correlation is to be made between the two.
Does lack of sleep delay porn addiction recovery?
Physiologically speaking, a person who lacks sleep is more prone to committing errors and being more emotional or irritable, and in this context, it can be detrimental to a person who is trying to quit watching porn.
What porn addiction does to dopamine receptors?
The brain of a porn addict gets flooded with dopamine whenever he or she watches porn. Over time, the brain requires more and more of the trigger for the dopamine influx in order to feel the same level of pleasure, which is what happens when a person develops higher and higher tolerance for porn. It takes a lot more porn or more explicit content in order for the person to get aroused or satisfied.
Is porn addiction a psychological problem?
Since there is still much to be studied about porn addiction, it cannot be said for certain if it is a completely psychological or physiological problem. Again, much of it depends on the individual, the reason he or she watches porn, and its effects on him or her.
Why should I try to end a porn addiction?
There are many benefits as to why you should stop porn addiction, but one of the most important is the opportunity to resolve any sexual issues you may have in the real life with your partner instead of trying to get satisfaction by watching scripted and unnatural sexual interaction.
How can porn addiction change you?
Porn addiction and its negative effects can change a person in a number of ways. If your relationships have deteriorated because of your porn habit, you can become more of an introvert and just keep to yourself. You can also become more resentful towards people who criticize your addiction, and can also you make you more insecure about your own sexual prowess.
Is porn more addictive than smoking?
Depends. Smokers tend to carry their addiction for years and even decades. While we don’t have enough data for porn addiction, there have been anecdotes about people suffering from porn addiction for years. It clearly depends on the individual and what he or she prefers doing more.
How does porn addiction kill relationships?
While not the direct cause, porn addiction can lead to relationship problems when a porn addict starts comparing his or her sexual capabilities to those of the porn actors. Porn is a scripted, and depicts extreme sexual acts which are often not attainable in real-life. Trying to replicate these sexual acts can lead to insecurities between couples.
What are the sexual hungers of a porn addict?
The type of porn an addict watches can give a glimpse as to what his or her sexual fantasies are, although this may not always be the case. Some may do crave the kind of porn he or she watches, but some may just be curious or enjoy the different types of porn available.
What groups are there for family members of porn addicts?
Nowadays, there are a lot support groups for family members of porn addicts such as overcomingpornography.org, addictionhope.com, and safefamilies.org. These groups offer advice and support to help teach families how to deal with a member that has a porn addiction.
How to rebuild a relationship after a porn addiction?
As with any relationship that was damaged by addiction and other factors, it takes a lot of effort from both parties to repair the lost love between them. Porn addiction may not be as grave as domestic violence or other forms of addiction, but it can indeed cause deep problems and as such, it will also take a lot of time to heal relationship damaged by porn addiction.
Can porn be addicting to teens?
Yes it can. In fact, it can be more addicting to teens considering that they have less correct knowledge and information about sex and sexual activities. That is why there is a big need to guide them so that when they do become exposed to porn, they have strong core of values to rely on to avoid being addicted.
Is porn addiction grounds for divorce?
This can be determined on a case-to-case basis and with expert legal opinion. Porn addiction in itself might not be grounds for divorce, but it will also have to depend on the context in which porn addiction is discussed in relation to the status of a marriage. The best option is to consult a divorce lawyer.
Do porn addicts love their wife?
This is highly subjective because porn addiction and a husband’s feelings towards his wife can be two mutually exclusive issues. In some cases though, there can be a correlation, but this would have to be proven by an expert such as a psychologist.
How does society see a porn addict?
Despite the numerous anecdotes about the seriousness of porn addiction, a lot of people still view it as a mild problem and even a topic that can be joked about. Rarely is someone concerned enough when coming across a porn addict that he or she seeks out to help the person.
Is porn addiction grounds for divorce within the christian church?
The bible does have a few passages that indirectly refer to porn addiction as being against the will of God. However, it will take a thorough examination of the marriage and the porn addiction by the Christian counselor before it can be ruled as grounds for divorce.
What is the best way to stop porn addiction?
The best way to stop porn addiction is the one that considers the specific and unique attributes of the one suffering from it. There is no one-size-fits-all approach that can help everyone with porn addiction. Instead, a careful analysis of the factors that lead to the addiction, the willingness of the victim, and the full support of family and friends are often what the sufferer needs in order to create an effective plan to stop porn addiction.
Do you need therapy to overcome porn addiction?
Depends on the level of porn addiction an individual is experiencing. If he or she cannot stop even with repeated proddings from family or friends, then he or she should consider a professional porn addiction therapist to help him or her get over porn addiction.
What does rebooting mean to a porn addict?
Rebooting for a porn addict means completely eliminating porn from his or her life and going back to a normal routine. Going cold turkey, or suddenly stopping watching porn, can also be an effective option for some sufferers who have tried other ways to combat porn addiction.
Does childhood abuse lead to porn addiction?
Childhood trauma, as has been studied by numerous experts over dozens of decades, can be a the reason for most of our current attitudes and actions. This means that it can also lead to porn addiction as well, although a person’s history would need to be extensively studied by an expert before such a correlation can be declared.
Can porn addicts moderate their porn use?
Highly unlikely. The fact that a person has reached a level of porn consumption that can be classified as addiction points to the high probability that he or she has no capability to regulate himself or herself when it comes to porn.
Is porn addiction watching porn only or masterbating?
Porn addiction, by definition, entails that there is indeed a pornographic material being viewed by a person. While it is usually accompanied by the individual’s inclination to masterbate, both porn addiction and masterbation can be exclusive of one another.
Do men with porn addiction treat their partner like crap?
There is no definite evidence that suggests that men who are addicted to porn treat their partners violently or do not love them as much.
Does porn addiction lead to depression?
Porn addiction, if let untreated, could theoretically lead to depression, although because of lack of research, there is no data that can confirm this with certainty. However, the negative effects of porn addiction can indeed contribute to a person’s sadness and susceptibility to depression.
How long does it take to get re-addicted to porn?
Depends on the individual. A highly-sexual person can get addicted again to porn after just a few minutes of watching porn again, while others have a higher tolerance and would need more than that to break their abstinence from porn.
Can fever be a symptom of porn addiction recovery?
Yes. Porn addicts, just like those addicted to other vices, can experience porn addiction withdrawal symptoms such as fevers, increased irritability, and others once they stop watching porn.
Is regular porn use sex addiction?
No. Regular porn use does not necessarily mean that you are a sex addict, although it can be a symptom in some cases. However, sex addiction is a much broader field as compared to porn addiction, which is just its subset.
How does porn addiction affect the church?
Porn addiction runs counter to the teachings of the Church, which focus on trying to emphasize the sanctity and holiness of the human body. The growth of the porn industry has only made this idea harder for the Church to impart.
How do you know when the porn addiction is over?
When you no longer have the constant urge to watch porn over an extended period of time, then a person can say that he is over his or her porn addiction. However, as with other kinds of addiction, being aware and continuing to do the things that lead to a porn-free life is critical as anyone can have a relapse at any time.
Can porn addiction be part of ocd?
This has been a topic of debate among experts. Some believe that addictions are a result of OCD or obsessive compulsive disorder, while others insist that addictions, including porn addiction, are entirely different from OCD. More research needs to be done in order to have a more conclusive answer to this query.
Does porn addiction lead to exhibitionism?
Depends. An exhbitionists has an entirely different psychological makeup than those of a regular porn addict. However, a person with exhibitionist tendencies may be, theoretically, triggered by watching porn.
Does edging encourage porn addiction?
Usually, sexual acts that are depicted in porn are not ordinary or not often done in real life by real couples. However, couples who choose to mimic those sexual acts may be compelled to watch more porn if only to discover other sexual acts that they can incorporate into their sex life.
How long to deprogram from porn addiction?
A person’s ability to return to a normal state after a serious bout with an addiction (such as porn addiction) depends on many factors that are specific only to him or her. The way an individual was brought up, his or her financial situation, the support he or she gets from family and friends, are just some of the numerous factors that can affect how fast you can recover from porn addiction.
Is masturbation without watching porn addictive?
Addiction to masturbation is a different condition as opposed to porn addiction. As to whether it can become addictive even without porn depends on the individual in question, as there is very limited data on the subject.
Why is porn addiction so hard to beat?
The reason why porn addiction is hard to beat can be attributed to many factors. Chief among these factors is the ease by which we can acquire pornography nowadays, as well as the way the public generally views porn addiction as a mild problem that can be easily addressed.
What is it like to have a porn addiction?
According to anecdotes, having porn addiction is just like being addicted to other vices such as smoking or drugs. You would also have powerful cravings that often lead to the negative effects of the addiction, such as withdrawal from family and friends, feeling the urge to hide and be defensive, and many others.
Where to seek Christian counseling for porn addiction
The Church is always open to help those in need, especially for more serious condition like porn addiction. You can try to ask about Christian counseling at your local church, or you can contact organizations such as covenanteyes.com or cru.org.
Can alcohol addiction replace porn addiction?
Yes, and it is not good. Some addicts turn to another addiction as a means to cope, and this is not good because you’re just replacing a bad thing with another one. That is why it is important to follow a program that will help you not just to stop porn addiction but also prevent you from developing a new one.
What is the consequence for porn addiction?
There are many consequences of porn addiction, and none of them are beneficial to both the individual suffering from the addiction, and his or her family and friends. So it is best to be able to spot the symptoms of porn addiction early to prevent it from damaging your relationships.
Does porn addicts feel remorse?
Porn addicts, and even those addicted to other vices, can be surprisingly remorseful even as they continue on with their bad habit. We have to understand that some addicts are not bad people, but only happen to have difficulty preventing themselves from going after their addiction.
Is a person who is bipolar be addicted to porn?
No. A person with bipolar disorder can be addicted to porn, but it is not necessarily true at all times. This can happen on a case-to-case basis as the two conditions are mutually exclusive from one another.
What counts as a porn addiction relapse?
The moment you watch porn again after overcoming your addiction can already be considered a relapse. The impact of the relapse, however, can vary from person to person. Some, because of years of being sober from porn, can easily get back on the right track, while some will have to start all over again with the process of removing the addiction.
How far back does a relapse set you porn addiction?
This depends on the person in question. Some, after years of porn abstinence, might have been able to develop a system to counter the effects of a relapse better than other people. In view of this, the impact of a relapse will vary greatly from person to person.